HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0641.021 2004-2006 Malu 'Aina Center for Non-violent Education & Action
Testimony in support of Resolution No. 244-06
Aloha Council members and fellow residents of the Nation of Hawaii January 20, 2006
Our organization, Malu 'Aina Center for Non-violem Education & Action goes on record in
support of Resolution No. 244-06 to protect Kanaka Maoli ancestral remains (Iwi Kupuna), funerary
objects (Moepu), sacred objects, and cultural patrimony from desecration and destruction. We
commend the entve Council for addressing this issue and extend a special aloha and mahala to the
council's two Kanaka Maoli members, StacR~ Higa and Angel Pilago for their leadership and voice
in doing what is pono. J
This resolution is timely in light of the Kawaihae Cave moepu now in the news, but it is long
overdue in light of the long history of desecration and destruction to the land, and to the host people
(living and deceased) of this land a desecration and destruction that continues to this day in many
forms and at an accelerated pace through rampant development, increased militarization, etc.
This County resolution in support of cultural rights and practices of the Native Hawaiian
community is an important foundation for beginning ho' oponopono between all the people of Hawaii
Coumy and the host people of this very special place. Burial issues on this island should be decided
on this island. No one has the right to disturb burials. Burials should be preserved in place. We
need to relearn the meaning of respect for the living and the dead.
This week was Martin Luther King Day. January 16s' was a county, state, and federal holiday.
King once said, "An injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere... We may have come on
different ships, but we're all in the same boat now." Jan. 17`x, the day following King's holiday,
mazked the 113'x' year of the illegal overthrow and the ongoing illegal occupation of the Nation of
Hawai i. How did we remember or mark that occasion?
It is time we take seriously the need for justice. Today is a beginning. It is a seed planted that
needs to be nurtured, watered and fertilized by all of us for the tree of justice in a sovereign Hawai i
to bear fruit. In respect for, and on behalf of our Kupuna, and for future generations, let us work
together and never give up in the struggle for justice. Ua mau ke e' a o ka aina i ka pono!
Jim Albertini
President
P.O. Box .AB 'Ola~a (Kurtistown), Hawaii 96760. Phone (808) 966-7622.
Email ja(~interpac.net http://www.malu-aina.org
http://www.maluaina.pitas ~ ,Z
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